A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
National Vice-Chairman (South-South) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Ogidi, said impending Supreme Court verdict rather than political solution would resolve the party's leadership crisis.
Ogidi told newsmen that the expected ruling would help to lay to rest, many issues that could re-emerge and trouble the party in future.
"To tell you the truth, there will be no political solution to the problem, because there are so many grey areas.
"If we didn't take this to the Supreme Court, too many things would have come back to haunt the party, so it was wise we went to the court.
"The political solution is just a family thing. Sometimes people think it can be easy, but in this case, there is no way.
"That is why each time they keep saying let's go for political solution, some of us know that it is going to be difficult and short-lived and therefore, look forward to the court verdict," Ogidi said.
He said that though the court of Appeal Court already gave a judgment, true PDP members and leaders believed that Supreme Court, as the conscience of the ordinary man would right the wrong.
PDP
"It is the Supreme Court judgment that we are waiting for. I believe it will do the right thing.
"One man cannot call a convention and cancel it; no one is given such kind of power. Even the President does not have such power."
The party chieftain said that the stay-of-execution filed by the party against the Court of Appeal judgment was still on course, and accused the National Chairman of the party, Ali Modu Sheriff of not implementing judgment.
According to him, the court ruled that the party should revert to status quo ante as it was before May 21 convention in Port Harcourt, but Sheriff is appointing people into the National Working Committee (NWC).
"He appointed deputy chairman and publicity secretary in disregard to the ruling and contrary to the party's Constitution.
"He has no such powers and all the people he has appointed are aliens to us."
He also accused Sheriff of going about, changing elected executive committees of the party in the states "even when he has no NWC to make decisions for the party".
Ogidi called on party members who know the truth to speak up, saying that the party was ready for Sheriff and his sponsors.
"PDP is us; we have a lot at stake in PDP. We cannot allow one man to destroy it."
On Sheriff's decision to hold on to Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa's Reconciliation Committee's report, Ogidi said that the report of was still open to suggestions and modification.
"Dickson was advised to talk to all stakeholders and the committee is going round. They have even said that they were going to make some adjustments to the recommendations.
"It is a recommendation that has to be `sold' to all organs of the party. So, Sheriff cannot say that is the final," Ogidi said.
He dismissed Sheriff's advertisement for vacancies at the party's National Secretariat, saying that he had no power to sack the workers there and replace them.
He said that Sheriff could not compel the staff to work with him because they workers did not know his strange members of NWC.
Ogidi maintained that PDP members in the South-South remained committed to the decisions of the May, 2016 Port Harcourt and loyal to the National Caretaker Committee constituted by the convention.
He advised all members and supporters to remain calm as genuine leaders of the party were pursuing the course of justice to its logical conclusion.
Philibus Sharabutu and Hudung Stephen on Sunday emerged the male and female champions of the ninth edition of the Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon Race.
Newsmen report that Sharabutu was the winner of the male category in the 2011 edition and runner-up in both the 2013 and 2015 editions.
Sharabutu, who is from Plateau, emerged the new winner after completing the 42km race in 2 hours 36 minutes 46 seconds.
On her part, Stephen emerged the winner in the female category after completing the race in 3:08.37.
Sharabutu and Stephen went home with the prize money of N1million and N700,000 respectively.
Newsmen report that in the male category Pam Iliya emerged first runner-up and Abdulahi Ibrahim was the second runner-up.
In the female category, Elizabeth Nuhu and Kistinwa Stephen were second and third.
Iliya and Ibrahim went home with the prize money of N400,000 and N200,000 respectively, while Nuhu and Stephen went home with prize money of N250,000 and N150,000.
Adebayo Akande, the founder of Splash FM of Ibadan who are the race's sponsors, expressed delight in the realisation of the ninth edition of the marathon race.
He pledged that they would ensure that the next edition had as participants athletes from other West African countries.
"In 2009, when we plunged into an uncharted territory of marathon events, we were not just standing alone as the first 42 km marathon race in Nigeria, it was the very first in West Africa.
"We assure you all that integrity, good governance, transparency and accountability, which are the bedrock upon which we built the race, remain our ultimate objectives.
"We recommit ourselves to playing a leading role in promoting the right values as a broadcast organisation, as well as a socially responsible entity," Akande said.
Akande, who is the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, said he was excited with the renewed interest in marathon and other long distance races across the country.
"We are using the race to promote integrity, good governance and to campaign against corruption.
"In fact, one of the athletes who started the race with us is now a green card holder in the U.S.," he said.
Abayomi Oke, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, described the effort as a commendable one on the part of the initiator, saying it was an opportunity to grow grassroot sports.
Oke said that the state government was looking at other alternatives of making it an annual event and the promotion of other events.
He pledged the state government's readiness to support the event and other sporting events in the state.
Speaking also, Temitope Olatoye, a member the House of Representatives, urged well-meaning Nigerians to support the race, saying it was a good cause that required the support of all.
Olatoye (APC-Lagelu/Akinyele), who was a co-sponsor of the edition, stated that he supported the event because it has contributed to the development of the state and the nation as a whole.
"The initiator has done well by engaging the youths in a meaningful way. This event to a large extent kept the hope of the youths alive, and also kept them away from crime," he said.
The lawmaker said he would continue to support the event and encourage others to support it.
Wole Akinwande, the President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), also said the event was an interesting one which helped to generate a lot of goodwill.
He said the event was a model for all to copy, adding that it contributed a lot to societal development, apart from promoting healthy living.
Akinwande promised to run for a cause in the next edition, adding that there were lots of causes to run for.
"I will run for a cause in the next edition. There are many causes to run for. There are many — motherless baby homes, orphans, widows, et cetera — in the land that we must support in every meaningful way," he said.
Newsmen report that the race featured several other races, among which was the "running for a cause'' and secondary school races.
The dignitaries who participated in the 5 km "running for a cause'' race included Babatunde Olaniyan, a former Oyo State Deputy Speaker.
Fatai Adesina, the Chairman of Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, also took part.
The event was sponsored by several individuals, companies, brands and media partners.
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two persons in connection with the alleged drowning of a corps member at a hotel swimming pool in the state.
The command's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Enugu.
Amaraizu said that the corps member was allegedly drowned on Saturday at a hotel swimming pool at Ugwuoba community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
"It was gathered that a group of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members had allegedly gone to a hotel at Ugwuoba in Enugu State identified as Hotel De Oranzi Resort, Agungwu Ugwuoba for swimming.
"In the ensuing swimming rendezvous amongst the celebrating corps members, one of them whose name is yet to be established allegedly got drowned.
Nigerian Police
"She was later rescued and rushed to General Hospital, Amaku in Awka, Anambra State, (since Oji River Local Government Area shares boundary with Awka) for medical attention but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,'' he said.
Amaraizu said that the body of the deceased corps member had been deposited at the hospital morgue.
The PRO, however, said that the police had intensified efforts to establish the full identity of the deceased corps member.
"While the two persons nabbed in connection with the alleged incident are helping the police operatives in their investigation,'' he said.
Mr. Inuwa Bwala, the Special Adviser on media and publicity to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has resigned his appointment.
Mr. Bwala who, in a press statement to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday said he resigned his appointment in order to take care of his personal issues that included his health.
“Recent developments in the polity, especially as it affects my duties have made it imperative for me to step down as the official spokesman of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP."
"I am stepping down for personal reasons to enable me face my personal challenges, especially my health."
Ali Modu Sheriff
"I wish to use this opportunity o apologize to Nigerians, especially our political leaders and professional colleagues, whose feelings I have been made to injure in explaining or defending certain positions while I was the Special Adviser on Media to Senator Sheriff."
"I thank the National Chairman and all those I have worked or related with since I assumed the responsibility as Sheriff’s official spokesman."
Mrs Toyin Saraki, Wife of the President of the Senate, has called on the Umu Ada Di Igbo (UDIM) Mma, a socio-economic group, to promote national peace and unity among women.
Saraki, who was represented by the wife of Sen. Bassey Albert, at the Inauguration of the UDIM on Sunday in Abuja, noted that women remain an integral part of any nation.
She urged the group to focus on the goal which is to promote the sense of unity among its members, develop healthy matrimonial relationships, prevent all forms of abuse and promote youth awareness for development.
"Women are the nation's builders, I have no doubt they will deliver in promoting the economic, cultural and social growth of mothers and babies.
"I am pleased to identify with the UDIM group, and I have no doubt these great women in this organisation will give these noble goals their best," she said.
Saraki and Ezeife
Toyin appealed to the UDIM to be united in purpose as they work towards improving the lives of women and the less privileged in the society.
The former governor of Anambra State, Mr Chukwumemeka Ezeife, also charged the women to make nation's building a priority.
Ezeife said that women were hardworking people and committed to any course they embarked on.
" This is a time we need, our mothers, our wives, our sisters to contribute to the development of our place.
"Our place is in need of development, our men sometimes sell out, but the women are dogged, consistent, very reliable and very encouraging people," he said.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of "UDIM, Mrs Beauty Iheaka, said that the aim of the association was to promote unity among igbo women of the seven Eastern States of Nigeria.
" In this great organisation, we are aiming to lead our people to cross the boundaries of mere good, so that everyone could become great in whatever they do," she said.
Iheaka said that the group also believes in the possibility of inspiring others to achieve greatness and live in it.
She also said that the association would engage in more charity works and impacting on the society.
She said, "UDIM, is a non-profit, non-political organisations with headquarters in USA with the soul purpose of promoting igbo sisterhood, igbo culture, heritage and unity."
Newsmen report that the UDIM, a socio-economic group kicked off the event with an orphanage visit with a medical team, who tested and treated orphan and less privileged children in Abuja.
Who do you think will win the Big Brother Naija 2017?
The contenders are Bisola, Debie-Rise, Efe, Marvis and Tboss. The person that scoops the highest vote stands to win the grand prize of N25 million and a Kia Sorento SUV today at the grand finale.
Music legend, 2Baba (Innocent) Idibia, Mavin/Roc Nation singer, Tiwa Savage and 'Mad over you' crooner, Runtown are going to perform.
Some unidentified gunmen on Sunday abducted Mr Gabriel Odu-Orji, the Cross Rivers Commissioner for Water Resources at Effionawan Street in Mayne Avenue area of Calabar South.
An eye witness, Mr James Ibri, told newsmen that five gunmen came in a blue Audi car and picked Odu-Orji away as he stepped down to eat in a restaurant.
Ibri said that the gunmen dropped their car and ordered the Commissioner into his Prado Jeep and drove away with him.
"At around 12 noon today, I was in front of one restaurant waiting for a friend when the Commissioner for Water Resources stepped down and was approaching the restaurant.
"Before he could get into the restaurant, some five well-armed men came in a blue Audi, parked their car by the road side and ordered the Commissioner into his car and drove away.
"Those guys were kidnappers because they wore mask to hide their faces,'' he said.
ASP Irene Ugbo, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident to newsmen in a telephone interview.
"We have received a complaint about the abduction of the Commissioner for Water Resources. He was kidnapped and taken away in his Prado Jeep today.
"We have deployed our men from the command and those from the intelligence department to all routes in the state with a view to releasing him.
"As we speak, all check points are thoroughly manned by our men to ensure that he is released safely,'' Ugbo said.
No fewer than five policemen and two soldiers, including an army captain were killed by suspected militants early Sunday morning in Ikorodu Area of Lagos.
Sources said the bodies of the victims had been removed.
The slain Captain was simply identified as Muhammad. There has been no official confirmation of the killings yet.
It was gathered that the existing presence of the Joint Task Force called Operation Awatse did not deter the militants from operating in the area they were driven away from about a year ago by members of the same task force.
Also the militants had struck at Woodland Estate close to Ishawo Creeks and engaged the security personnel, soldiers and the police, in a gun duel.
"At the end of the gun duel, five policemen and two soldiers were reportedly gunned down by the militants," the source told NAN.
It was unclear if there were any casualties on the part of the militants, although security forces were said to have reinforced and stormed the area for reconnaissance and possible counter-action.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP. Olarinde Famous-Cole, said he was still gathering information on the matter adding that a statement would soon be issued.
Also, the spokesperson of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olaolu Daudu said that a statement would be released on the incident later.
Recalled that, on March 13, 2017, it reported the return of the militants to the area.
Residents said they lived in palpable fear.
The militants, whose stocks in trade are kidnapping and oil theft, were chased out of the area in Aug. 2016 by the Task Force, after several bloody clashes in the community.
Scores of people were killed during the clashes between militants and residents of Isawo community before the joint military task force was deployed in the area.
Famous-Cole said in March that the command was re-strategising the security arrangements in the state, including Ikorodu area.
He said more police patrol teams would be deployed in the area, and urged residents to provide useful information on the activities of the hoodlums.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Fergusson Bobai, told NAN: "I don't have any report yet to suggest that militants are back in those areas.
"But Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the return of swamp buggies to open up the creeks in those areas to enable the security forces carry out in-depth patrols.
The swamp buggy is a motor vehicle used to traverse swampy terrain.
Buggies are able to move about on dry land, shallow mud, sand, shallow water and deep mud.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Idris Ibrahim, on Aug. 4, 2016 visited Isawo creeks and was briefed about the activities of the militants.
A Liberian blind boy, Semah G. Weifur, who’s dream is to meet a Nigerian artists Mr. Flavor Nabania to sing, and be recorded by ‘Master Craft’ was reported to have come through.It was indeed a dream come through as he performed along with Flavor on the stage. Watch video:
EVERYTHING is wrong with Nigeria. In fact, as Ayo Sogunro argued, "everything in Nigeria is going to kill you". The way leadership is demonstrated in this country is compelling enough for one to think that the asylum has been taken over by lunatics or how else does one explain a situation where public office holders are either not accountable for activities under their supervision or are often times not responsible for their actions and inactions.
If a senior executive of brewery walks into a bar, orders for a drink and he is told by the attendant that his brand is out of stock but he could jolly well make do with a competitor's brand. What do you think happens next? The executive will put a call through to the area manager, who puts a call through to the sales executive covering that area to demand explanation why their brand is out of stock in a local outlet while their competitor's brand is available. In most cases, somebody ends up with a query. It is such responsibility and accountability that builds great businesses and great nations.
In the last couple of days, meningitis has been responsible for the death of hundreds of Nigerians across a few northern states but this is how a Governor under whose watch over 200 people died responds to the tragedy: "What we used to know as far as meningitis is concerned is the Type A virus. However, because people refused to stop their nefarious activities (fornication particularly), God decided to send the Type C virus which has no vaccination ". These were the words of Governor Abubakar Yari of Zamfara, a man who presides over the affairs of a state with the cardinal responsibility to ensure the prosperity and welfare of his people.
Yet, he blames God. Let us even assume for a second that we are actually incurring the wrath of the Almighty, how is it then that only the poor die for sins the rich also commits brazenly. Zamfara has a poverty rate of over 80% and is one of the poorest states in the country, but who cares; after all it is God that maketh some rich and others poor.
When news broke out about the death of two students in Queens College Lagos, a couple of videos were circulated online showing the water tank in the school and the water that came out of it. What I saw in that tank was as good as sewage waste and in another case a dead cat was found in the tank. The Punch reported that not less than 50 students have been admitted across various hospitals receiving treatments for food poisoning and diarrhoea.
Rather than accept responsibility for this monumental disaster and avoidable tragedy, the school authorities have shown no remorse for their laxity and little respect for the bereaved. They have continued to insist that there was no epidemic and the outrage is only a smear campaign. How epically stupid can people get. Three students reported dead and over 50 hospitalised, yet the authorities under whose watch this calamity occurred are seated comfortably on their executive offices.
Will you blame them? Here is a country where over 300 members of Shi'ites muslims were killed and buried in mass graves and no one was held to account. Over a hundred unarmed young Easterners were reported to have been gruesomely murdered by security agencies (according to an Amnesty International report) and not a single eyebrow was raised. Bombs are dropped on Innocent Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, with over 200 killed; sadly no one is talking about it anymore. A certain governor gives an outgoing Commissioner of Police five million naira to "fuel his car", with landed property reported in Vanguard to be worth about 25 million naira and not even the members of the State House of Assembly could demand an explanation.
How could they have, when a colleague of theirs in Benue who demanded accountability from the governor of his state was made to kneel before His Excellency and tendered an apology?
In Nigeria, there are hardly any leaders but too many ogas.
Perhaps, we should take a cue from the corporate world where there is always someone to praise for results and someone to blame for a lapse. More often than not when you are blamed, you are shown the exit door. No excuses!!!
Mr. Ayodele Adio, a social critic, wrote from Lagos.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission not only to carry out thorough investigation of corruption cases, but also hire the services of 'Ogbologbo' lawyers.
Olusegun Obasanjo An 'Ogbologbo', a Yoruba word means 'seasoned, experienced person.
Obasanjo gave the advice today while reacting President Muhammadu's Buhari's charge to the EFCC to stop losing cases.
Obasanjo said, "I was reading today when the President (Muhammadu Buhari) said the EFCC should stop losing cases. They lose cases for a number of reasons.
"One, they engage more of outside lawyers. I believe that they need staunch, `Ogbologbo'(seasoned) lawyers inside that will do the work.
"If I am a lawyer and I want the opponent to win a case, what I will file will be `wishy washy. And if I file a `wishy washy' case, the opponent will see the loophole and he will get out of it. I believe that it is important.
"Secondly, thorough investigation is very important. Now, investigation must be thorough, it must be proper and it must be really taken seriously.
"Third, our judges must be committed in fighting corruption.
"They must be committed to fighting corruption. Because if the investigation is very sound and you have `ogbologbo' lawyer to handle the case, if you have Salamigate, you know what the answer will be.
"So it is a chain: investigation, prosecution and the judiciary. If there is weakness along this line, chances are that corruption cases will continue to be lost, "he said.
Obasanjo made the comments on Sunday while playing host to members of the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun Chapter, at his hilltop residence in Abeokuta.
He also debunked the allegation that his government plotted to kill former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd ) as claimed by Bamaiyi in his book.
The former president explained that his administration only asked Bamaiyi to respond to accusations that he was responsible for some killings, saying that the decision was legitimate.
"That I wanted to kill him? What of the people he killed? My government did not plot to kill him.
"My government asked him to answer to those that were alleged to have been killed by him and that is legitimate.
"That if there is an allegation that you have done something, that you have committed a crime, then you are arrested, you should answer and that is all.
"Who the hell is he that I would want to kill him? Kill him for what? To achieve what? No! .
"There were allegations, the police and the law enforcement agencies decided to look into the allegations.
"They invited him and they asked him to answer as a result of what was found, so they charged him to court.
"So, it's now up to him, the investigators as I said, the prosecutors and the judiciary. That's all," Obasanjo said.
Bamaiyi had recently alleged that his incarceration for more than eight years was punishment for opposing the choice of Obasanjo as successor to former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The allegation was contained in his book, "Vindication of A General" which was unveiled last weekend in Abuja.
Bamaiyi also claimed in the book that the incarceration was to keep him away for fear that he would overthrow the Obasanjo government.
He wrote that as soon as Obasanjo took over, Gen. Abubakar and some of his people told Obasanjo that if he [Bamaiyi] was left free, he would overthrow the government.
The Lagos State Government on Sunday commiserated with the families of four Police Officers and one Army Captain that lost their lives in Ishawo area of Ikorodu after an ambush unleashed on them by militants.
The gallant officers were killed after successfully rescuing kidnapped victims kept in the riverine area by the militants.
In a reaction issued on Sunday by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the government described the incident as unfortunate but insisted that it would only strengthen its resolve to root crime and criminalities out of the State.
The statement said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was deeply touched and condoled with the families and loved ones of the departed officers.
“The Governor, however, assures the Police and general public of his support and commitment to rid the State of every form of militancy, kidnappings, and illegal waterfront shanties that harbour criminals,” Ayorinde said.
Specifically, the State Government stressed that the unfortunate incident in Ishawo had further reinforced its resolve to go after criminal elements and their collaborators who are using coastal areas and illegal waterfront settlements as havens or escape routes to perpetrate evil and criminal activities.
It added that that every perpetrator directly or remotely linked to the Ishawo dastardly act would be brought to justice in the shortest possible time. “We wish to solicit the understanding and support of the public on the need to rid our waterways of illegal shanties that are not only an eyesore to our collective decency but have become a fertile ground for breeding illicit and illegal activities that constitute danger to the security and wellbeing of the larger public," the government said.
Akwa United are top performers of Matchday 18 in the NPFL after getting a win on the road in Kano amid allegations of attack from home fans.
Blood stained coach Effiong Moses
Christian Pyagbara got the only goal of the game after collecting a flick pass from Alhassan Ibrahim in the 19th minute.
The result perhaps didn’t go down well with home fans as the coaching crew of Akwa United claim they were attacked using pictures of a blood stained coach Effiong Moses as evidence.
Meanwhile, FC IfeanyiUbah played out a barren draw against Lobi Stars of Makurdi to sum up the teams that had a good day away from home.
The game between Champions Rangers Int’l and Plateau United was postponed as a result of the Enugu side’s continental commitment against Zesco United in the Caf Confederations Cup.
The Minister of state for Housing, Works and Power, Alhaji Mustapha Baba Sheuri has ordered contractors handling the national housing project in Lokoja, Kogi, to deliver quality jobs.
Sheuri who made the order on Sunday in Lokoja while inspecting the housing project insisted that high quality building materials must be used by the contractors.
He warned them that the Federal Government would not accept shoddy jobs from any of them.
He also directed that bricklayers, labourers and other artisans working on the site must be paid well.
He said that government embarked on the project to reduce housing deficit and to create jobs for the people.
Sheuri said that the houses would be sold to any interested Nigerian that could afford the cost, saying that the house were not meant for civil servants alone as being speculated in some quarters.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the level of job done so far and urged the contractors to meet up with the five months' completion period stipulated in their contract papers.
R-L, Minister of State Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika, Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Ameachi, Minister of State Mines and Steel, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa Bwari, Minister of Mines and Steel, Dr Kayode Fayemi,Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnya Onu and Minister of State Power Alhaji Mustapha Baba Shehuri as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo Presides over 4th FEC Meeting at the Council Chamber State House in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.
The Federal Controller of Housing in charge of Kogi State, Mrs Veronica Enesi, while conducting the minster round the site said that 76 housing units under the first phase of the project would be ready by July.
She said that the estate would comprise of 48 two-bedroom units, , 24 three – bedroom units and four one bedroom units .
According to her, modern facilities like shopping centre, police station, drainage system, road network and electricity would be provided in the estate.
Chief Judy Ogbuo, who spoke on behalf of the contractors, thanked the government for giving them the opportunity to handle the jobs.
He identified delay in payment and bill of quantity as some of the areas they were having challenges.
He promised that the contractors would deliver quality jobs as ordered by the minister.
The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Chidi Okoroafor, has urged Nigerians to pray for God's intervention toward the nation's quick recovery from current recession.
Okoroafor told newsmen in Umuahia, Abia, on Sunday that resort to God had become necessary because policies and programmes so far initiated by the Federal Government to tackle the downturn had not yielded expected result.
He said that the church was planning a special nationwide prayer to seek the face of God in the collective efforts to bring the recession to an end.
"It is obvious that all the solutions and policies enunciated by our economists and scientists have done little or nothing to bring the country out of our economic downturn.
"It is time therefore for us as Nigerians to call on God to come and heal our land and make us prosperous again," he said.
The general superintendent spoke on the efforts by the church to bring lasting solution to its leadership tussle, saying that the process was ongoing.
Recession
According to him, following Supreme Court judgment, which pronounced me the authentic general superintendent of the church, the Executive Council resolved to extend `the olive branch' to the former general superintendent, Paul Emeka, and his supporters.
He said that the measure was meant to provide opportunity to the former leader and his supporters to return to the fold.
"The measure is part of the peace process aimed at re-uniting the church as one body," Okoroafor said.
He said that at the expiration of the March 31 deadline given to the estranged members to return, the council met and resolved to extend the period to April 30.
He said, "the church is not interested in victimising anybody rather it is ready to receive back anyone willing to return because we are all brethren.
"We are one church. People should return and let's build the church; it is one church.
"Those who fought the church either by mistake or whatever should return and let's unite and forge ahead.
"In Assemblies of God, somebody could be suspended in the morning service and restored during evening service depending on his response and show of remorse."
Okoroafor, was however, not forthcoming on what the church would do should Emeka and his group fail to return during the grace period, saying "when we get to the river we will cross the bridge".
He expressed the hope that the church would regain its unity under its current leadership.
He explained that there was no personal issues between him and his former boss, saying that he decided to fill in the gap as Emeka's assistant when he ( Emeka) flouted the church's constitution.
"Assemblies of God is not a one-man show or president, founder church. Since 1934 when it started in Nigeria it has survived several general superintendents.
"The church is democratic and does not confer absolute power on its general superintendent to avoid the abuse of such power.
"The bible and of course the church's constitution forbid any believer from taking a fellow believer to court.
"Unfortunately, when Emeka had issues with the church over his administrative style, which flouted the constitution of the church, he decided to take the church to court."
He said that the church suspended him when all entreaties to him to retrace his steps failed.
Okoroafor urged the members of the church across the country not to allow the experience to dampen their faith but to remain steadfast and contribute their quota in rebuilding the church.
National Vice-Chairman (South-South) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Ogidi, said impending Supreme Court verdict rather than political solution would resolve the party's leadership crisis.
Ogidi told the Newsmen that the expected ruling would help to lay to rest, many issues that could re-emerge and trouble the party in future.
"To tell you the truth, there will be no political solution to the problem, because there are so many grey areas.
"If we didn't take this to the Supreme Court, too many things would have come back to haunt the party, so it was wise we went to the court.
"The political solution is just a family thing. Sometimes people think it can be easy, but in this case, there is no way.
"That is why each time they keep saying let's go for political solution, some of us know that it is going to be difficult and short-lived and therefore, look forward to the court verdict," Ogidi said.
He said that though the court of Appeal Court already gave a judgment, true PDP members and leaders believed that Supreme Court, as the conscience of the ordinary man would right the wrong.
"It is the Supreme Court judgment that we are waiting for. I believe it will do the right thing.
"One man cannot call a convention and cancel it; no one is given such kind of power. Even the President does not have such power."
The party chieftain said that the stay-of-execution filed by the party against the Court of Appeal judgment was still on course, and accused the National Chairman of the party, Ali Modu Sheriff of not implementing judgment.
According to him, the court ruled that the party should revert to status quo ante as it was before May 21 convention in Port Harcourt, but Sheriff is appointing people into the National Working Committee (NWC).
"He appointed deputy chairman and publicity secretary in disregard to the ruling and contrary to the party's Constitution.
"He has no such powers and all the people he has appointed are aliens to us."
He also accused Sheriff of going about, changing elected executive committees of the party in the states "even when he has no NWC to make decisions for the party".
Ogidi called on party members who know the truth to speak up, saying that the party was ready for Sheriff and his sponsors.
"PDP is us; we have a lot at stake in PDP. We cannot allow one man to destroy it."
On Sheriff's decision to hold on to Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa's Reconciliation Committee's report, Ogidi said that the report of was still open to suggestions and modification.
"Dickson was advised to talk to all stakeholders and the committee is going round. They have even said that they were going to make some adjustments to the recommendations.
"It is a recommendation that has to be `sold' to all organs of the party. So, Sheriff cannot say that is the final," Ogidi said.
He dismissed Sheriff's advertisement for vacancies at the party's National Secretariat, saying that he had no power to sack the workers there and replace them.
He said that Sheriff could not compel the staff to work with him because they workers did not know his strange members of NWC.
Ogidi maintained that PDP members in the South-South remained committed to the decisions of the May, 2016 Port Harcourt and loyal to the National Caretaker Committee constituted by the convention.
He advised all members and supporters to remain calm as genuine leaders of the party were pursuing the course of justice to its logical conclusion.
The Minister of state for Housing, Works and Power, Alhaji Mustapha Baba Sheuri has ordered contractors handling the national housing project in Lokoja, Kogi, to deliver quality jobs.
Sheuri who made the order on Sunday in Lokoja while inspecting the housing project insisted that high quality building materials must be used by the contractors.
He warned them that the Federal Government would not accept shoddy jobs from any of them.
Mustapha Baba-Shehuri,
He also directed that bricklayers, labourers and other artisans working on the site must be paid well.
He said that government embarked on the project to reduce housing deficit and to create jobs for the people.
Sheuri said that the houses would be sold to any interested Nigerian that could afford the cost, saying that the house were not meant for civil servants alone as being speculated in some quarters.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the level of job done so far and urged the contractors to meet up with the five months' completion period stipulated in their contract papers .
The Federal Controller of Housing in charge of Kogi State, Mrs Veronica Enesi, while conducting the minster round the site said that 76 housing units under the first phase of the project would be ready by July.
She said that the estate would comprise of 48 two-bedroom units, , 24 three – bedroom units and four one bedroom units .
According to her, modern facilities like shopping centre, police station, drainage system, road network and electricity would be provided in the estate.
Chief Judy Ogbuo, who spoke on behalf of the contractors, thanked the government for giving them the opportunity to handle the jobs.
He identified delay in payment and bill of quantity as some of the areas they were having challenges.
He promised that the contractors would deliver quality jobs as ordered by the minister
Nigeria and European Union (EU) are working to have an agreement that will facilitate the repatriation of Nigerians living illegally in EU countries. Geoffrey Onyeama,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, on Sunday in Abuja said that the EU also sought to engage with the government in providing vocational training for those who had been repatriated.
The EU for now, he explained was trying to have a collective agreement with Nigeria covering all the EU countries so that there can just be a one-stop-shop and everybody can repatriate Nigerians.
"We are looking to see whether it will not be fairer to just have separate bilateral agreements rather than one omnibus agreement with the EU.
"In fact, the EU wants to engage with us in helping to provide vocational training programmes for Nigerians who have been repatriated so that they do not come back, have nothing to do, have no skills and have no choice but try and go back again.
"So they are also keen to cooperate with us to provide skills development for them."
The minister noted that the issue of migration had become a priority for most EU countries.
He said it was pertinent to engage with the EU to ensure that the "legal rights of Nigerians, be they irregular or regular migrants, are fully respected".
Onyeama dismissed claims that some Nigerians were deported from some countries without the knowledge of the Nigerian Government.
He explained that opportunities were given for migrants to exhaust all legal rights open to them before repatriation.
He said this was in line with bilateral agreements on repatriation which Nigeria had signed with some countries.
"The ones from Libya wanted to come home because the conditions in which they were staying were deplorable so it was a question of facilitating their return home.
"Of course, you know that Libya is almost a failed state at the moment so it is not advisable for any Nigerian to be in that country at the moment.''
With regard to the UK, he said Nigeria had an agreement which stipulates that that country could not deport without Nigeria's cooperation.
"So, you have to first identify and be sure, we insist, that the person is Nigerian and we insist also that the person has exhausted all their rights.
"At the moment, these things stand; it is not possible for the UK to unilaterally repatriate without our cooperation," he said.
The minister further said the government was not oblivious of the economic situation in the country and stressed the need for an enabling environment for all citizens.
"The prime responsibility rests with us; we, as a government, have to provide for our citizens and that is what Mr President is trying to do in the restructuring of the economy."
No fewer than 250 Nigerians have been deported from different European countries since January, including the 50 that were repatriated on Thursday from eight countries for immigration-related offences. (NAN)
Romelu Lukaku scored twice for Everton in a 4-2 victory on Sunday as Craig Shakespeare suffered defeat for the first time since becoming Leicester City manager.
Everton’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (R) watches his shot pass Leicester City’s Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (L) to score his team’s fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on April 9, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
Shakespeare had won all of his first six matches in charge, five of them in the Premier League, since replacing the sacked Claudio Ranieri in February.
A much-changed Leicester side, without their regular full-backs or midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and with Riyad Mahrez appearing only as a substitute, were unable to cope with the threat of Lukaku.
The Premier League’s leading scorer took his goal tally in the competition to 23 for the season with a fine header and a clinical close-range finish.
Shakespeare’s decision to make five changes suggested he had one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Atletico Madrid.
Leicester were behind after just 31 seconds, yet were soon in front.
Everton scored from their first attack as Kevin Mirallas raced through the centre and was pulled down by Daniel Amartey.
As the home fans appealed for a foul, teenage midfielder Tom Davies latched onto the loose ball and pushed it past Kasper Schmeichel.
Shakespeare’s side responded positively and were level with just four minutes on the clock.
Demarai Gray broke and with the Everton defenders standing off, rolled a pass to his right for Islam Slimani to slot under Joel Robles.
Everton’s goalkeeper, exposed for the equaliser, was at fault as Leicester took the lead in the 10th minute.
Jamie Vardy won a free-kick after he was fouled out on the left.
Marc Albrighton swung it in with his right foot and the ball sailed in at the far post, with Robles caught out of position anticipating a cross.
The goalkeeper looked uncertain after that as he used his feet to block a tame Gray shot that appeared easy to gather.
– Mirallas and Huth tangle – But Everton did recover their composure to draw level midway through the half with a fine goal.
Ross Barkley found space on the right to whip over a cross with plenty of pace and Lukaku escaped Leicester’s centre-backs to power a header past Schmeichel.
Still there was time for more drama before the half came to a close, with Mirallas and Huth booked following a tangle that became a full-on confrontation that drew in several players from both sides.
After that, Barkley was sent clear as Leighton Baines won the ball 40 yards out and went round Schmeichel, who recovered superbly to block as the midfielder looked set to find an empty net.
From the resulting corner, taken by Mirallas, captain Phil Jagielka rose to head in his second goal in two matches.
The chances continued to come after half-time, although not with quite as much frequency.
Mirallas steered a curler into Schmeichel’s arms at one end and Slimani’s cross-shot from the left rolled just past Robles’s near post at the other after taking a deflection off Morgan Schneiderlin.
The game’s sixth goal was not far away, though, and it turned out to be Everton’s fourth.
It came from another Mirallas corner, which Jagielka headed against the back of Leicester midfielder Andy King, before the ball dropped to the far post for Lukaku to drive in.
Shakespeare brought on Mahrez for the final half hour in an attempt to make life uncomfortable for Everton.
His counterpart, Ronald Koeman, responded by introducing Gareth Barry to shore up the home side’s midfield.
Leicester were not quite finished, though.
Leonardo Ulloa, their final substitute, would have pulled one back, but his header from a Mahrez corner struck Idrissa Gueye full in the face and he was then foiled by Robles.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday said that his government never plotted to kill former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd ) as claimed by Bamaiyi in his book.
Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd) and former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Obasanjo said this while playing host to members of the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun Chapter, at his hilltop residence in Abeokuta.
The former president explained that his administration only asked Bamaiyi to answer to those that he was alleged to have killed, saying that the decision was legitimate.
"That I wanted to kill him? What of the people he killed? My government did not plot to kill him.
"My government asked him to answer to those that were alleged to have been killed by him and that is legitimate.
"That if there is an allegation that you have done something, that you have committed a crime, then you are arrested, you should answer and that is all.
"Who the hell is he that I would want to kill him? Kill him for what? To achieve what? No! .
"There were allegations, the police and the law enforcement agencies decided to look into the allegations.
"They invited him and they asked him to answer as a result of what was found, so they charged him to court.
"So, it's now up to him, the investigators as I said, the prosecutors and the judiciary. That's all," Obasanjo said.
Bamaiyi had recently alleged that his incarceration for more than eight years was punishment for opposing the choice of Obasanjo as successor to former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The allegation was contained in his book, "Vindication of A General" which was unveiled last weekend in Abuja.
Bamaiyi also claimed in the book that the incarceration was to keep him away for fear that he would overthrow the Obasanjo government.
He wrote that as soon as Obasanjo took over, Gen. Abubakar and some of his people told Obasanjo that if he [Bamaiyi] was left free, he would overthrow the government.
Speaking on corruption, Obasanjo said investigation must be proper, thorough and undertaken with all seriousness.
Obasanjo said, "I was reading today when the President (Muhammadu Buhari) said the EFCC should stop losing cases. They lose cases for a number of reasons.
"One, they engage more of outside lawyers. I believe that they need staunch, `ogbologbo' lawyers inside that will do the work.
"If I am a lawyer and I want the opponent to win a case, what I will file will be `wishy washy'.
"And if I file a `wishy washy' case, the opponent will see the loophole and he will get out of it. I believe that it is important.
"Secondly, thorough investigation is very important. Now, investigation must be thorough, it must be proper and it must be really taken seriously.
"Third, our judges must be committed in fighting corruption.
"They must be committed to fighting corruption. Because if the investigation is very sound and you have `ogbologbo' lawyer to handle the case, if you have Salamigate, you know what the answer will be.
"So it is a line: investigation, prosecution and the judiciary. If there is weakness along this line, chances are that corruption cases will continue to be lost, "he said.
